cleaning instrument cluster
- Thread starter biglatka
- Start date
ToolmanJohn
New member
That's a bummer
I remember polishing the facesheild on an old motorcycle helmet. I used a product that was for the purpose of polishing polycarbonate plastic, and it worked, but I can't remember what it was. Someone at the motorcycle dealer told me about it.
It was many years ago.
I remember polishing the facesheild on an old motorcycle helmet. I used a product that was for the purpose of polishing polycarbonate plastic, and it worked, but I can't remember what it was. Someone at the motorcycle dealer told me about it.
It was many years ago.
<<<<
Senior Member
Mine is scratched up already. I'm waiting for new one. Once replaced I got secret weapon for cleaning new one. ......... Alright I give up, not so secret now. Use computer can duster to blow dust out of there. These sold at any store that sells computer stuff. I do not think that it'll work on ketchup or mustard, so keep those hamburgers away 
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cdoyle
Member
they need to use a more scratch resistant plastic for this.
I've had my Runner for about 7 months, and have been so careful around that plastic. Well the other day, while driving I noticed a spot on it, when the sun hit it just right.
Well wasn't really thinking about it, but I took my finger and just felt where the spot was to see if something had spilled on it, and my finger scratched the plastic!! I barely even touched it. I was so pissed! All this time, using a vacuum to get the dust off, and I go and scratch it like that. So now I have this area under the odometer where it looks like I used sand paper on it.
I've had my Runner for about 7 months, and have been so careful around that plastic. Well the other day, while driving I noticed a spot on it, when the sun hit it just right.
Well wasn't really thinking about it, but I took my finger and just felt where the spot was to see if something had spilled on it, and my finger scratched the plastic!! I barely even touched it. I was so pissed! All this time, using a vacuum to get the dust off, and I go and scratch it like that. So now I have this area under the odometer where it looks like I used sand paper on it.
Bluto
New member
NO paper towels, cloths, cotton, or brushes.
Don't use anything other than a dry, clean, quality microfiber. If it is dirty or cheap, it will scratch.
I use this one:
http://www.properautocare.com/micocl.html
I've never tired the Plexus cleaner, have not needed to:
http://www.properautocare.com/plexus.html
Don't use anything other than a dry, clean, quality microfiber. If it is dirty or cheap, it will scratch.
I use this one:
http://www.properautocare.com/micocl.html
I've never tired the Plexus cleaner, have not needed to:
http://www.properautocare.com/plexus.html
Best Scratch remover...PERIOD
The product that best cleans and removes minor scratches is a product called "Plexus". Yes this is the product used in motorcycling to clean faceshields and windscreens. It was first developed to clean aircraft canopies. I know b/c one, I ride motorcycles, two, I details cars on the side, and three, I used to work around military fets that use the stuff. It also repels the dust by making the plastic static-proof. The stuff is the best kept secret in "quickly" cleaning and maintaining clear plastics. For plastics that are heavily scratched, I would use MeGuires (sp?) 3 step plastic cleaner/restorer.
You can pick Plexus up at any good motorcyle dealer, mainly sport bike dealers. They cost about 7-9 bucks a can.
Hope I was able to help.
The product that best cleans and removes minor scratches is a product called "Plexus". Yes this is the product used in motorcycling to clean faceshields and windscreens. It was first developed to clean aircraft canopies. I know b/c one, I ride motorcycles, two, I details cars on the side, and three, I used to work around military fets that use the stuff. It also repels the dust by making the plastic static-proof. The stuff is the best kept secret in "quickly" cleaning and maintaining clear plastics. For plastics that are heavily scratched, I would use MeGuires (sp?) 3 step plastic cleaner/restorer.
You can pick Plexus up at any good motorcyle dealer, mainly sport bike dealers. They cost about 7-9 bucks a can.
Hope I was able to help.
has anybody tried microfiber, or lens cleaning cloth for camera lens???
I tried that before I asked the dealer to replace the lens. I am due for another lens soon. Dealer tells me that the part is warrantied for 3 years, so have about 2 years and 4 months remaining. I hope Toyota specs a more durable material.
I tried that before I asked the dealer to replace the lens. I am due for another lens soon. Dealer tells me that the part is warrantied for 3 years, so have about 2 years and 4 months remaining. I hope Toyota specs a more durable material.
04'Sport4WD
New member
Yes, I used to ride and plexus is a good product. Eagle one makes a plastic polish and protectant that I bought for my windscreen that worked well on my Talon's instrament cluster as well. I need more and was waiting until I could visit my local cycle shop in Tulsa. DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE!! This is waaaay to abrasive and will scratch the hell out of it. Go to your local cycle shop and ask them for plexigass cleaner. Motorcycle riders have been plagued by easily scratched windscreens for years, and therefore they have the best products to combat this. My cluster appears to be scratched as well when the light hits it right. I suspect the manufacturer clean up they give it before it is shipped to the dealer is to blame. I seriously doubt they have microfiber and plastic polish just for the instrument cluster. They just paper towel the whole car and send it on its way.
biglatka,
First thing to remove is the panel below the steering wheel (just pull on it, it will pop out). There are two screws that are on the left and right hand side that will need to be removed. Second, is to remove the instrument cluster panel. There are two electrical connector that you will need to unplug, then remove the panel. Third, unscrew the the two screws that hold the cluster glass in place. There are two tabs on the left and right toward the bottom of the cluster, just push them in and lift up. It will take a little wiggling. The glass should pop up and separate from the cluster frame( you will see want I mean, hard to describe). Last, remove glass and install new one.
I received mine from Toyota Saturday, installation took less time then removal, because I had a clue. The only problem is there is a finger print on the underside of the glass, not going to mess with. No more scratches, but how long. Its really easy to remove. My direction is another story. Good luck.
First thing to remove is the panel below the steering wheel (just pull on it, it will pop out). There are two screws that are on the left and right hand side that will need to be removed. Second, is to remove the instrument cluster panel. There are two electrical connector that you will need to unplug, then remove the panel. Third, unscrew the the two screws that hold the cluster glass in place. There are two tabs on the left and right toward the bottom of the cluster, just push them in and lift up. It will take a little wiggling. The glass should pop up and separate from the cluster frame( you will see want I mean, hard to describe). Last, remove glass and install new one.
I received mine from Toyota Saturday, installation took less time then removal, because I had a clue. The only problem is there is a finger print on the underside of the glass, not going to mess with. No more scratches, but how long. Its really easy to remove. My direction is another story. Good luck.
Kingpin said:
Thanks for the blow-by-blow description. Funny thing, I was going to suggest (I forgot to put it in my post) that you wear those vinyl gloves (used for food handling) when installing the plastic lenses. I was very careful cleaning mine, having first used an air duster, then a finely atomized water spray, and finally a soft lint free cotton cloth to wipe and dry. Today, with bright sunlight hitting them just right, I noticed that the lenses had many fine scratches in them.
Maybe the person at Toyota who preps the cars, before they’re picked up, caused them originally. He/she probably used Windex and paper towels. Go figure.
I can't believe how soft those lenses are, a fingernail can scratch them! I have a feeling I'm going to need your instructions sooner than later.
Thanks again,
Biglatka,
Noticed from your post your in Upstate New York. Me, original form Jamestown NY. Now a Texan, miss the up coming weather.
Ya, the finger print is complements of Toyota. I was extremely careful, only touched the outer rim. I tried all kinds of plastic polish, nothing worked. I would just replace it. I payed under 28 dollars for glass. Labor was free, just alot of sweat, in 100 degree weather(inside a garage).
Noticed from your post your in Upstate New York. Me, original form Jamestown NY. Now a Texan, miss the up coming weather.
Ya, the finger print is complements of Toyota. I was extremely careful, only touched the outer rim. I tried all kinds of plastic polish, nothing worked. I would just replace it. I payed under 28 dollars for glass. Labor was free, just alot of sweat, in 100 degree weather(inside a garage).
G
Guest
Guest
I was reading this thread and halfway through and still saw no mention of Plexus and just couldn't believe it.
I see a few people did mention it, but tally up another vote for Plexus.
I've been using it on my headlights, tail lights, guage lenses, and other clear plastics (radio, climate, etc) for a couple years now - only with microfiber, and have had great results not only protecting from scratches, but also repairing them, as well as cleaning the surface thoroughly and repelling dust.
I see a few people did mention it, but tally up another vote for Plexus.
I've been using it on my headlights, tail lights, guage lenses, and other clear plastics (radio, climate, etc) for a couple years now - only with microfiber, and have had great results not only protecting from scratches, but also repairing them, as well as cleaning the surface thoroughly and repelling dust.
